Looking to ace your environment and ecology section for competitive exams? Dive into the latest update on India’s 57th tiger reserve, Ratapani, and understand the critical role of tiger reserves in conservation.
What is a Tiger Reserve?
A tiger reserve in India is a protected area established to conserve tigers and their habitats under the Project Tiger initiative of 1973. These reserves are essential for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance.
Key Features of a Tiger Reserve:
- Core Area: Legally protected as a national park or sanctuary.
- Buffer Zone: Surrounding area that supports wildlife while allowing limited human activities.
As of now, India has 57 tiger reserves covering around 82,000 sq. km, accounting for 2.3% of the country’s geographical area. These reserves are home to over 70% of the world’s wild tigers, with India hosting at least 3,167 tigers, according to the 5th All India Tiger Estimation Report (2022).
History of Tiger Conservation in India
Why Were Tiger Reserves Established?
India’s tiger population plummeted in the mid-20th century due to:
- Hunting
- Habitat loss
- Human interference
To combat this, the Indian government initiated Project Tiger in 1973, starting with nine reserves, including:
- Corbett (Uttarakhand)
- Ranthambhore (Rajasthan)
- Kanha (Madhya Pradesh)
- Sundarbans (West Bengal)
This initiative banned wild cat skin exports (1969) and introduced stricter wildlife protection laws.
How is a Tiger Reserve Created?
Step-by-Step Process:
- Identification: State governments identify regions with viable tiger populations and suitable habitats.
- Assessment: Detailed studies on prey base, vegetation, and ecological health are conducted.
- Proposal: States prepare and submit a proposal, including maps and conservation plans, to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
- Approval: The NTCA reviews and forwards the proposal to the Union Ministry of Environment.
- Notification: The area is officially declared a tiger reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Once notified, the reserve becomes eligible for:
- Central funding under Project Tiger
- Technical support for conservation
Protection Under Law:
A tiger reserve cannot be de-notified unless in public interest, with approval from the NTCA and the National Board for Wildlife.
Why Are Tiger Reserves Important?
1. Ecological Benefits:
- Tigers, as apex predators, maintain the balance of forest ecosystems.
- Conserving tigers indirectly protects diverse flora and fauna (umbrella species effect).
2. Climate Benefits:
- A 2023 study in Nature found that tiger reserves prevented the loss of 5,800 hectares of forests between 2007 and 2020, saving approximately 1 million metric tons of CO2 emissions.
3. Water and Biodiversity Security:
Healthy tiger habitats ensure:
- Sustainable water sources
- Enhanced biodiversity
Ratapani: India’s Newest Tiger Reserve
Located in Madhya Pradesh, Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary was declared India’s 57th tiger reserve on December 2, 2023. This comes just a day after Madhya Pradesh’s Madhav National Park received approval to become the 58th tiger reserve (pending notification).
Why Ratapani Matters:
- Madhya Pradesh is often called the “Tiger State of India”, with the highest tiger population in the country.
- The addition of Ratapani strengthens conservation efforts in the state and highlights its pivotal role in India’s tiger conservation mission.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
- India’s Tiger Reserves: Currently 57, with Madhya Pradesh leading the count.
- Project Tiger: Launched in 1973 to protect tigers and their ecosystems.
- Conservation Milestones: From nine initial reserves to hosting over 70% of the world’s tigers today.
- Ratapani: Declared the 57th tiger reserve in December 2023, enhancing Madhya Pradesh’s conservation legacy.
- Climate Impact: Tiger reserves play a critical role in combating climate change by preserving forests and reducing CO2 emissions.
Prepare better for your competitive exams by understanding how India’s tiger reserves contribute to ecological and environmental conservation! Protecting tigers is not just about wildlife—it’s about sustaining life on Earth.
